I recently read a letter from a parent whose 6 year old daughter was killed at the Sandy Hook tragedy last December. Her letter was directed to teachers as an encouragement and testimony to the work that teachers do on an everyday basis. Over the course of the past year, this mother has received thousands of personal letters from various individuals. She mentioned that out of the 15,000 personal letters, only one stays at her bedside. It’s the letter from her high school English teacher.
Teachers are a special group of people. Most of them truly enjoy their profession. Many sacrifice time, resources, and comfort to help young people get to a better place in their stage of life. Many teachers regard their students as some of their own children because of the time, energy, and love that they invest in them each day.
A Unique Privilege
Over the past 16 years, we have had the unique privilege of seeing over 400 students graduate from Faith Christian School. Many of these alumni have graduated from various colleges and universities. Some have entered the Armed Forces, while others continue to pursue a variety of vocational opportunities. Out of over 400 graduates, about 16 are currently teaching in public school, home school, or private school.
As an educator myself, my heart holds a special place for our alumni who have chosen the teaching profession. Several of our alumni have been teaching for close to ten years, while others are starting their “rookie” year!
An Eternal Impact
I would like to encourage all of our alumni educators with a few reminders:
1) Teachers are cultivators. You are in the unique position to help encourage young minds. Take time each day to mold and direct your students. Your investment will pay huge dividends.
2) Be joyful! For some of your students, your smile might be the only one they see all day. God’s Word commands us to “serve the Lord with gladness”, and it’s the Lord that we are ultimately working for each day. Teachers that are joyful offer encouragement to their students and to other staff members. Be joyful!
3) Teach Wisdom. Teachers are given a unique platform. They find themselves in unique situations that provide teaching opportunities that will stay with children for the rest of their lives. When presented with the opportunity to give advice or instruction, please make sure that the advice given is sound, biblical instruction. The nuggets of truth that you share will take hold in varying degrees, but God’s Word will not return void. You may simply be planting or watering; and sometimes you may have the opportunity to harvest a bountiful crop if you are faithful to God’s plan.
A Final Blessing
To all FCS Alumni teachers – I wish you a great year. I pray that the Lord will give you strength, peace, patience, and a sincere love for your students this school year. I trust that your life will be a reflection of Christ’s work in your heart, and I hope that your students will see Jesus in your life. You have a great opportunity before you, and I am proud of your accomplishments. Thank you for choosing this great profession, and I trust that you will have a blessed school year!
I wish you the very best!
Mr. Grass